Usmanov currently owns a 30 per cent stake in the Gunners, while American tycoon Stan Kroenke is the largest shareholder with 67%.

And the Russian businessman has revealed he would consider increasing his holdings in the north London outfit if they opportunity arose.

"Many people ask me why I bought my stake in Arsenal, rather than spending the money on Russian football. The fact is, I invest millions in Russian sport each year - an amount far in excess of my Arsenal investment," he wrote in a blog for Bloomberg.

"But I also think it's worth pointing out that the English Premier League is a highly organised sports business and Arsenal is, first and foremost, a business investment for me.

BUSY SUMMER AHEAD: Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger [GETTY]

"It is one of the leading clubs in terms of how its commercial operations are managed, and I am absolutely convinced it will be a successful investment.

I am fine with the size of the stake I have in Arsenal now, but I'm always ready to increase it."